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Current Affairs [PDF] - March 16-31, 2020

Fiscal Consolidation
Fiscal Consolidation is the policy adopted by the Government to reduce the deficits. It mainly aims to
reduce administrative costs of the Government. In simple words, the policies undertaken by the Government
to reduce debt stocks and deficits.
The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 (FRBMA) is the best example for the Fiscal
Consolidation measure of GoI
FRBMA act
The act aimed to reduce fiscal deficit by 3% of GDP. It aimed to eliminate the deficit by 2006 by avoiding
borrowings from RBI. However, it couldn’t be achieved due to International Financial Crisis. Later, a review
committee was set up in 2016 to suggest changes of the act under N k Singh then as well.
Update on National Policy on Skill Development
On March 20, 2020, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship presented the update on National
Policy on Skill Development in Rajya Sabha
Highlights
The following initiatives have been taken under the policy by the Ministry since 2015
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana was launched under the policy. It provides short term skill
training to the youth.
SANKALP-Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion. It is a project
supported by World Bank. It focuses on apprenticeship training and support ITIs.
Sector Skill Councils were set up under National Occupation Standards. The Councils aim at
improving the productivity of workers and reduce their skill gaps.
STRIVE-The Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement scheme was launched under the policy.
It aims to improve the skills of workers through industrial training institutes.
National Policy on Skill Development
The Policy was launched in 2009 and was upgraded in 2015. The Policy aims at providing umbrella
framework that will link skills and demand.
National Centre for Cell Science: The Cellular Mechanism of Huntington Disease discovered
On March 20, 2020, the National Centre for Cell Science have found that the pathogenic protein called the
Huntingtin Protein causes decrease in overall protein production.
What is Huntington Disease?
The disease is a genetic disorder that declines cognitive abilities, impairs coordination of balance and
movement, memory lapses, mood swings and personality changes.
The disease is caused due to the mutation of the gene called HTT. The major function of these genes is to
produce protein called Huntingtin. A normal gene gives the right instruction to produce these proteins. A
mutated gene gives faulty instructions. This disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and results in
Huntington disease.
The Discovery
The Scientists have found that in a diseased person the Huntingtin protein interfered with the protein
production of the cells. This is how wrong instructions are sent, mainly due to faulty protein level. They also
reduced the level of protein production of a normal cell.
“Tech for Tribal”-Launched by TRIFED to develop Tribal Entrepreneurship
On March 19, 2020, TRIFED, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India launched
“Tech for Tribal” initiative. The initiative aims at providing entrepreneurship skills to the tribal people.
Highlights
The initiative is to benefit 3 lakh people. The TRIFED has launched the initiative along with Institutes of

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